A Season of Breakthroughs and Bright Futures: Stivers School for the Arts Varsity Boys Basketball 2025 Recap
The 2025 season for the Stivers School for the Arts varsity boys basketball team was nothing short of historic. Under the steady guidance of Head Coach Bobby Porter, the Tigers achieved what many considered their most successful campaign in years, culminating in a deep playoff run and the creation of a strong foundation for the program’s future. From the leadership of a talented senior class to the rise of impressive underclassmen, this year’s Stivers squad balanced experience with emerging potential, grit with growth, and heart with hustle.
Key Contributors: Veterans and Rising Stars Unite
At the core of Stivers’ success were several standout players, both seasoned seniors and sensational underclassmen. The senior class—Gavin Wright (SF), Amarion Jenkins (G), Shaun Burgan (C), and Jeremy Daniels (PG)—brought experience, consistency, and leadership to the court. Their maturity and presence set the tone in practices, games, and key pressure moments throughout the season.
“They brought experience and good mentorship,” Coach Porter said. Whether it was Wright’s all-around game, Jenkins' perimeter play, Burgan’s presence in the paint, or Daniels’ command as the floor general, the seniors anchored the team and set the standard for the program.
But it wasn’t just about the upperclassmen. Two remarkable freshmen made their presence felt immediately. Forward Josiah Garrett had an outstanding debut season, averaging 10 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, proving himself to be a versatile weapon on both ends of the court. His development was one of the key storylines of the season. Alongside him, point guard Daishaun Riley Jr. brought poise and playmaking with 4 points and 3.6 assists per game, contributing meaningful minutes and learning quickly from the veterans around him.
A Season to Remember
In Coach Porter’s own words, this was “the best season Stivers has had in years.” The team reached the District Finals, falling to a strong Cincinnati Summit Country Day squad. While the loss marked the end of their playoff run, the journey there was filled with growth, success, and milestones.
The Tigers finished second in the Dayton Public League, a result that reflected not only talent but also the character and commitment of the entire roster. Coach Porter and his staff emphasized hard work, discipline, and unity throughout the campaign—values that paid off with every hard-fought win and bounce-back from tough losses.
Turning Points and Defining Moments
Every successful season has its defining moments, and for Stivers, one game stood above the rest: their comeback win over Spire Academy. Known for producing high-level basketball talent, Spire Academy entered the game as a heavy favorite. But the Tigers showed resilience, rallying from behind to shock the powerhouse team.
“That game showed our heart,” Coach Porter noted. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A statement that this Stivers team could hang with anyone and wasn’t afraid of the moment. It became a rallying point for the rest of the season, feeding the team’s confidence as they navigated the challenges of a competitive schedule.
Adversity Met with Resolve
The season didn’t start with fireworks. Stivers dropped their opening game to Cincinnati Moeller by 9 points, followed by a narrow 3-point loss to Dunbar just two games later. For a young team, such setbacks could have spelled trouble. But not for the Tigers.
“We believe in a ‘next man up’ philosophy,” Coach Porter said, referring to the way his team handled adversity. Whether dealing with early losses or minor injuries, the players didn’t panic—they responded by doubling down on effort and preparation. That mindset helped turn early-season stumbles into fuel for a sustained run of success.
A Senior Class That Set the Tone
While much attention is rightfully focused on the promising underclassmen, Coach Porter made it clear that this senior class laid the foundation. The leadership from Wright, Jenkins, Burgan, and Daniels was invaluable—not just in terms of production, but in mentoring younger players, modeling work ethic, and helping build the team’s culture.
“They brought experience and good mentorship,” Porter emphasized. As their final season came to a close, they could leave knowing they’d moved the program forward, both competitively and culturally.
Player Development: Garrett and Riley Step Up
Freshman Josiah Garrett’s breakout season was one of the biggest positives. Averaging double digits in scoring while pulling down nearly six rebounds per game, Garrett displayed both polish and potential. His length, energy, and scoring touch made him a key part of the rotation early, and his consistent improvement hinted at a bright future ahead.
“Josiah had an incredible freshman season and continues to develop as we speak,” Porter said.
Daishaun Riley Jr., also a freshman, grew into his role at point guard, handling the pressure with maturity beyond his years. His instincts, passing vision, and ball-handling skills allowed him to contribute meaningfully while gaining the experience needed to lead the team in future seasons.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Stivers Basketball
With the seniors graduating, the spotlight will now shift to a young, talented core that gained valuable experience during this record-setting season. Coach Porter is excited about what’s next.
“Our underclass players now have experience,” he said. “And we’ve developed a winning, hardworking culture.”
That culture is arguably the most important legacy of this year’s team. Beyond the wins and playoff run, the Tigers now have expectations and belief—two essential ingredients for sustained success.
Offseason Focus: Turning Defense Into Dominance
Despite the many positives from the 2025 season, Coach Porter isn’t resting. He knows the next step for Stivers lies in shoring up the defensive side of the ball.
“We’re looking to improve our defense this offseason,” he said. That commitment to getting stops will be critical as the team transitions to a younger core and aims to build on the progress made this year.
With offensive weapons like Garrett and Riley set to return, refining the team’s ability to lock down opponents will be the next evolution for this rising program.
Stats and Recognition
For those seeking more insights into the Tigers’ performance this year, team stats are available through DPS Stats. The numbers tell part of the story, but the heart, hustle, and hunger of this team are what truly defined the 2025 season.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Breakthroughs
The 2025 Stivers boys basketball team showed what’s possible when talent meets culture. With senior leadership setting the tone and underclassmen embracing the challenge, the Tigers rewrote the narrative for the program, going deeper in the postseason, competing with top teams, and earning respect across the region.
And perhaps most importantly, they’ve set the stage for an even brighter future. If this season was about proving what’s possible, next season might be about achieving what once seemed impossible.
The Tigers are rising—and the rest of the league is on notice.
, Amarion Jenkins (G), Shaun Burgan (C), and Jeremy Daniels (PG)—brought experience, consistency, and leadership to the court. Their maturity and presence set the tone in practices, games, and key pressure moments throughout the season.
“They brought experience and good mentorship,” Coach Porter said. Whether it was Wright’s all-around game, Jenkins' perimeter play, Burgan’s presence in the paint, or Daniels’ command as the floor general, the seniors anchored the team and set the standard for the program.
But it wasn’t just about the upperclassmen. Two remarkable freshmen made their presence felt immediately. Forward Josiah Garrett had an outstanding debut season, averaging 10 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, proving himself to be a versatile weapon on both ends of the court. His development was one of the key storylines of the season. Alongside him, point guard Daishaun Riley Jr. brought poise and playmaking with 4 points and 3.6 assists per game, contributing meaningful minutes and learning quickly from the veterans around him.
A Season to Remember
In Coach Porter’s own words, this was “the best season Stivers has had in years.” The team reached the District Finals, falling to a strong Cincinnati Summit Country Day squad. While the loss marked the end of their playoff run, the journey there was filled with growth, success, and milestones.
The Tigers finished second in the Dayton Public League, a result that reflected not only talent but also the character and commitment of the entire roster. Coach Porter and his staff emphasized hard work, discipline, and unity throughout the campaign—values that paid off with every hard-fought win and bounce-back from tough losses.
Turning Points and Defining Moments
Every successful season has its defining moments, and for Stivers, one game stood above the rest: their comeback win over Spire Academy. Known for producing high-level basketball talent, Spire Academy entered the game as a heavy favorite. But the Tigers showed resilience, rallying from behind to shock the powerhouse team.
“That game showed our heart,” Coach Porter noted. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A statement that this Stivers team could hang with anyone and wasn’t afraid of the moment. It became a rallying point for the rest of the season, feeding the team’s confidence as they navigated the challenges of a competitive schedule.
Adversity Met with Resolve
The season didn’t start with fireworks. Stivers dropped their opening game to Cincinnati Moeller by 9 points, followed by a narrow 3-point loss to Dunbar just two games later. For a young team, such setbacks could have spelled trouble. But not for the Tigers.
“We believe in a ‘next man up’ philosophy,” Coach Porter said, referring to the way his team handled adversity. Whether dealing with early losses or minor injuries, the players didn’t panic—they responded by doubling down on effort and preparation. That mindset helped turn early-season stumbles into fuel for a sustained run of success.
A Senior Class That Set the Tone
While much attention is rightfully focused on the promising underclassmen, Coach Porter made it clear that this senior class laid the foundation. The leadership from Wright, Jenkins, Burgan, and Daniels was invaluable—not just in terms of production, but in mentoring younger players, modeling work ethic, and helping build the team’s culture.
“They brought experience and good mentorship,” Porter emphasized. As their final season came to a close, they could leave knowing they’d moved the program forward, both competitively and culturally.
Player Development: Garrett and Riley Step Up
Freshman Josiah Garrett’s breakout season was one of the biggest positives. Averaging double digits in scoring while pulling down nearly six rebounds per game, Garrett displayed both polish and potential. His length, energy, and scoring touch made him a key part of the rotation early, and his consistent improvement hinted at a bright future ahead.
“Josiah had an incredible freshman season and continues to develop as we speak,” Porter said.
Daishaun Riley Jr., also a freshman, grew into his role at point guard, handling the pressure with maturity beyond his years. His instincts, passing vision, and ball-handling skills allowed him to contribute meaningfully while gaining the experience needed to lead the team in future seasons.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Stivers Basketball
With the seniors graduating, the spotlight will now shift to a young, talented core that gained valuable experience during this record-setting season. Coach Porter is excited about what’s next.
“Our underclass players now have experience,” he said. “And we’ve developed a winning, hardworking culture.”
That culture is arguably the most important legacy of this year’s team. Beyond the wins and playoff run, the Tigers now have expectations and belief—two essential ingredients for sustained success.
Offseason Focus: Turning Defense Into Dominance
Despite the many positives from the 2025 season, Coach Porter isn’t resting. He knows the next step for Stivers lies in shoring up the defensive side of the ball.
“We’re looking to improve our defense this offseason,” he said. That commitment to getting stops will be critical as the team transitions to a younger core and aims to build on the progress made this year.
With offensive weapons like Garrett and Riley set to return, refining the team’s ability to lock down opponents will be the next evolution for this rising program.
Stats and Recognition
For those seeking more insights into the Tigers’ performance this year, team stats are available through DPS Stats. The numbers tell part of the story, but the heart, hustle, and hunger of this team are what truly defined the 2025 season.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Breakthroughs
The 2025 Stivers boys basketball team showed what’s possible when talent meets culture. With senior leadership setting the tone and underclassmen embracing the challenge, the Tigers rewrote the narrative for the program, going deeper in the postseason, competing with top teams, and earning respect across the region.
And perhaps most importantly, they’ve set the stage for an even brighter future. If this season was about proving what’s possible, next season might be about achieving what once seemed impossible.
The Tigers are rising—and the rest of the league is on notice.)
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